Heritage Corridor, Illinois

Illinois’ Heritage Corridor connects The First Hundred Miles of Route 66, historic I&M Canal towns and Starved Rock State Park. Cruise to roadside attractions, vibrant villages and stunning canyons just southwest of Chicago.

Mother Road landmarks

Spot giant statues, vintage diners and murals on The First Hundred Miles of Route 66.

I&M Canal towns

Visit waterfront communities in the USA’s first National Heritage Area.

Starved Rock scenery

Discover sandstone bluffs, wooded trails and Illinois River overlooks.

Heritage Corridor Highlights

Route 66 Nostalgia

  • Snap photos at Route 66 murals, shield signs and public art along the road from Joliet to Pontiac.

  • Visit vintage stations and showrooms full of Mother Road memorabilia.

  • See the Gemini Giant, Wilmington’s beloved Muffler Man and Route 66 icon.

Nature & History

  • Explore sandstone canyons, wooded bluffs and trails with seasonal waterfalls.

  • Follow towpaths and visit canal towns on the waterway that helped build Chicago.

  • Tour a landmark limestone prison known for architecture, history and Hollywood ties.

Experiences

Posing with a Route 66 shield art installation outside the Joliet Area Historical Museum in Illinois’ Heritage Corridor

The First Hundred Miles

Kick off a classic Route 66 road trip in the Heritage Corridor.

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Interior of Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, Illinois

Rialto Square Theatre

Take in ornate details and live performances at this grand 1920s theater.

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A classic car outside the Route 66 Polk-A-Dot Drive In in Braidwood, Illinois

Road Trip Eats

Fuel up on classic diner fare or try White Fence Farm’s famous fried chicken.

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Cars on display in the Pontiac Oakland Automobile Museum in Pontiac, Illinois

Route 66 Car Culture

See vintage vehicles and artifacts at the Pontiac Oakland Automobile Museum.

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Hiking at Starved Rock State Park in Utica, Illinois

Starved Rock Country

Pair canyon hikes with lodge dining, scenic tours and nearby public art.

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Trip Ideas & Itineraries

Browse articles featuring the best of Illinois’ Heritage Corridor, from Route 66 icons to canal towns and Starved Rock hikes.

Nostalgia And New Experiences On And Around Route 66 In Illinois
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Charming Small Towns Along Route 66 in Illinois, Missouri and Kansas
Photographing Starved Rock Lock and Dam on the Illinois River in Illinois’ Heritage Corridor

Heritage Corridor Destinations

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